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Michael Carrick: Between the Lines: My Autobiography

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Michael Carrick is one of the most decorated English players of all time, best known for his 12-year tenure as a Manchester United player, which he captained and will now coach. Loved by his managers, lauded by his fellow professionals, worshipped by the Old Trafford faithful, yet regularly misunderstood by the wider public, Carrick is a player like no other. Intelligent, calm and thoughtful, he is the opposite of the archetypal English midfielder. He has won every honour in club football, five Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup and multiple League Cups. In his first book, Carrick invites us to experience the camaraderie and desire to succeed inside the United dressing room, and lets us feels what it's like to walk out on the Old Trafford pitch alongside some of the biggest names in the game - from Ronaldo to Scholes to Pogba and the rest. From growing up in the North East to the Theatre of Dreams - via West Ham and Tottenham - Carrick's story reveals him to be his own fearless, incisive and honest. *All of Michael Carrick's profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the Michael Carrick Foundation, dedicated to providing financial support to community services that will give underprivileged children living in the North and North East better opportunities so that they feel safe, valued and inspired.*

384 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2018

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Michael Carrick

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5 stars
189 (28%)
4 stars
277 (41%)
3 stars
156 (23%)
2 stars
37 (5%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Paul.
451 reviews27 followers
March 3, 2020
I'm not a football fan per-say. I know a little about other teams and players but it's as casual as can be. I'm a fan of one team and have been passionately for as long as I can remember. Michael Carrick played for this club for many a year and was highly successful.

The book covers his entire life and career. From growing up in Newcastle, developing his footballing skills and becoming a professional with all the aspects that come with that. Obviously as he was at Man Utd the longest this is the part of the book that is covered in the most detail but his time at other clubs, his international career and everything in between is given more than enough time.

A few things that really come across are how important family is to him, how much he respects his fellow professionals (some have called him boring and complained that he doesn't slag anyone off but I found it refreshing) and that even though footballers are millionaires it doesn't mean they aren't human and don't have anxieties and struggle with mental health. As much as this was obviously very much a football book and you can see how dedicated he was to the sport his love for his family and learning about his insecurities was actually the most interesting parts.

Like a lot of autobiographies this was somewhat ghost written. Carrick spoke to someone and they put his words into print. Not that I was aware of this before I read the dedications at the end of the book. And it was done so well that I'd not be surprised if the interviewer didn't have to interprete any of his words as all. Obviously it's always better if a book is actually written by the "author" but this worked perfectly well.

An enjoyable autobiography. Obviously if you're not a football fan then I can't see you having any interest but learning about the way things behind the scenes work, the life of a footballer and especially (obviously) the life of a very private individual who was a big part of the success of Manchester United was a big draw for me. Learning that all proceeds from the book went towards his charity that creates safe spaces and empowering opportunities for disadvantaged youngsters made me happy I bought the book rather than borrowing it from the library.

*Any grief directed because of footballing allegiances will be deleted and the sender blocked so don't bother *
Profile Image for Kaustuv Mukherji.
4 reviews
September 18, 2019
A true model. This book is a fascinating insight into the life of a 21st century footballer who chooses to lead a life with humility, respect, commitment and loyalty. It's incredibly rare these days to find people like these, even less so the chance to know more about them as they are so very conscious of coming across as boastful. An incredible footballer, a better human being, this book is a must-read for every one young and old on the dedication needed for success, to stay at that level and how to deal with success, fame and money. Michael Carrick is the answer to how to conduct yourself and lead your life.
15 reviews
December 5, 2018
The closest I might possibly get to meeting one of my all-time favourite players and interviewing him (Henry Winter has already since done such a stellar job)!

I enjoyed reading and getting insight into the mind of a very underrated player, whose quiet demeanour belied a fierce determination and competitiveness to want to do well for the teams he represented.

As is the case with a number of footballing personalities, the importance of rolling up one’a sleeves and getting stuck in to work is also emphasized.
Profile Image for Gruffydd Davies.
7 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2020
4.5

Quite insightful as far as footballer's autobiographies go.

It was interesting to read about a top level footballer's struggles with mental health /confidence issues in parts of this book, as I'm sure some people perceive them as robots incapable of human emotions.

Decent read that I'm sure any football fan would enjoy, especially fans of MUFC.
Profile Image for Charlie Pritchard.
124 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2020
Michael Carrick was a graceful midfield player who really grew into his role at Manchester United. As a United fan, I felt that for Carrick, it took time to develop into a proper/traditional ‘Man United’ player and it was interesting to hear of how he physiologically rose to this challenge.

A humble, dedicated human being, Carrick’s footballing brain and insight is right up there. Even if he does not go down in the list of modern United legends such as Giggs, Scholes and Neville, I would argue that Carrick has more originality and variety to offer, but that is just a personal opinion/sensation, admittedly not founded upon much evidence as I have not read first-hand literature from the aforementioned former players.

Perhaps this is because Carrick is separate from the ‘Class of 92’ as a brand, and not in the business of fuelling more positive insight of Manchester United from that perspective. Carrick arrived at Manchester United with a price tag, a point to prove, so his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson was inevitably different.

Carrick had to win the fans over, he was not an academy product. Therefore, this autobiography is not of a player defined by the tropes of the ‘Manchester United Way’. This is much more but more simple than that, it is Michael Carrick’s book. A man who has seen the club decline post-Ferguson and is determined to see them return to their ‘righteous’ place at the top of the English game.

If I am being picky, I would like to have read more about Carrick’s insight of United’s respective run-ins during the glorious three seasons where they won consecutive Premier League titles from 2007, I feel that he approached the seasons thematically, by what defined them, jumping a bit too regularly between key moments and not touching on specific critical games.

Furthermore, I would have liked deeper insight during the chapters of the post-Ferguson era. It was slightly disappointing that the majority of Carrick’s ‘Jose’ chapter told the story of his own testimonial more of the two full seasons, which are somewhat brushed over.

The four appendices at the end of the book, essentially conversations with important people in Carrick’s life, are revealing and interesting. A thoroughly enjoyable and readable account from a top player and good man.
21 reviews
November 4, 2019
I couldn't speak more positive about how much I genuinely enjoyed Michael Carrick's book. I love football and Manchester United and I have read a lot of my favourite player's books but I would have to say Michael's is the most intriguing one I have read to date. I can't fully explain it but his account just feels different which I think really reflects him as a player and person. You can tell his personality really shines through in the book. As I was reading it it gave me such strong feelings of wanting to be involved in anything football and now I would also like to meet Michael Carrick even more!
Profile Image for Mr AJ Colley.
5 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2019
An interesting look at Michael Carrick’s career from the humble beginnings in the north east, to West Ham, Spurs then United. I thought the book was a good read but following on from the sacking of Jose Mourinho, I feel the book would’ve been a whole lot more interesting to know what Carrick’s true thoughts on this matter were.
Profile Image for Marián Borsuk.
4 reviews
July 10, 2019
Michael Carrick is one of my favorites ever for his composure and determination, and, of course, his abilities on the pitch.

I really enjoyed Michael’s autobiography and his insights about the life of a footballer.
The book was written really well and it had a good tempo, kind of like a football game.

176 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2019
I have always had a pretty poor opinion of sports books and this one did not help it .. MC is a nice guy with a good career but this book is dire.. he idolises Alex Ferguson but we get no insight on the others. Following this book I know his wife has a bad back, he hates hospitals, Alex was great, Moyes (?), Jose loved winning and that is about it.
1 review
November 4, 2018
Great read

One of best football I’ve read
Could not put down
A pure pleasure to read
Wish him well in future
Great read
75 reviews
November 15, 2019
Excellent

Really enjoyed this autobiography. Shows a very human side to the game of football and very insightful. Recommend to all football fans...not just Man Utd supporters
Profile Image for Phạm Thuận.
89 reviews20 followers
August 21, 2021
Làm thế nào để nói được rằng anh ta là một cầu thủ tốt? Tốt, giỏi, xuất sắc hay vĩ đại đôi lúc cũng chỉ là những từ ngữ để miêu tả sự ái mộ dành cho một cầu thủ mà họ cho rằng điều đó là xứng đáng. Và với mình, Carrick xứng danh là một cầu thủ xuất sắc của Manchester United.

Mình chưa đọc nhiều về thể loại hồi ký, tiểu sử nhưng mình tin chắc rằng sẽ không có quyển nào công tâm đúng mực về mọi sự kiện, sự việc mà ai đó sẽ đề cập đến trong cuốn sách của mình. Mặc dù vậy, mình cũng có niềm tin mãnh liệt rằng mọi điều Carrick đã nói ra trong cuốn sách này hoàn toàn là sự thật. Bởi sau gần 500 trang giấy, thứ đặc sắc nhất mà anh miêu tả bản thân mình chỉ là một người có thể giữ gìn được sự tập trung cao, và đơn giản chỉ có vậy.

Xuất phát điểm với dị dạng dầu gối bẩm sinh, Carrick từng bước xây dựng cuộc sống xung quanh trái bóng tròn, điều mà anh được thừa hưởng gene từ ông nội. Có thể nói rằng, cuộc sống thuở ấu thơ là cuộc sống đáng mơ ước của rất nhiều đứa trẻ yêu và có tài năng về bóng đá: Một gia đình tuyệt vời luôn hỗ trợ và giúp anh có những quyết định đúng đắn nhất, một tài năng không thể bỏ qua trong mắt các nhà tuyển trạch, một tình cảm sâu đậm với cô bạn gái từ thiếu niên, một đội trẻ nơi mà những người phát triển có tâm và có tầm. Tất cả là một kim chỉ nam không bao giờ lệch, kết hợp cùng tư duy, ý chí và sự quyết tâm trong từng hành động và khoảnh khắc đã tạo nên một con người có đóng góp cực lớn cho kỷ nguyên thành công thứ hai của Sir Alex tại nhà hát của những giấc mơ.

Với Carrick, Manchester United là số 1, anh yêu mọi thứ ở đó: từ khát vọng danh hiệu, con người, vị thuyền trưởng đáng kính cho đến các cổ động viên. Sống trong môi trường bóng đá lớn nhất thế giới cũng là sự chịu đựng lớn nhất, khi thành công dẫn đến những áp lực khổng lồ khiến con người ta lâm vào tình trạng tổn thương sâu sắc về tinh thần. Carrick cũng vậy, và cái cách anh vượt qua nó khiến mình cảm thấy vô cùng yêu quý và trân trọng thời gian với con người này. Quả thực, thật không dễ dàng khi ai đó muốn để lại áp lực ra phía sau, và cũng như Carrick, mình cũng muốn thực hiện nó bằng sự thấu hiểu của gia đình, bằng cách mình chia sẻ và nhìn nhận, bằng cách tổng hoà của mọi những thứ xung quanh và dung hoà nội lực cá nhân. Với mình, Carrick đơn giản là chuẩn mực.

Giữ được sự chuyên nghiệp trong suốt cả sự nghiệp, mình nghĩ rằng, Carrick là một quỷ đỏ mà không ai có thể quên trong 100 năm nữa.

Lại càng thêm tình cảm với United.

174 reviews
April 15, 2025
This is a decent enough football autobiography and pretty much par the course for the genre. The focus of the book is the authors period at Manchester United and the respect he holds "the Boss" Sir Alex Ferguson in. He is also strong on the role of his family in his life.
Where the book becomes a bit tedious is the repeated references to various Wazzas, Ronnies and all the nicknames footballers have for each other and at times the chronology is all over the place. Micheal talks about his England career then covers it in a later chapter, seasons neither start or finish with no sense of tension of a campaign, a match by match recounting would be tedious but seasons seem to merge into each other in this book, there is also a derth of ancedotes or humour to a degree.
The author accepts that he perhaps didn`t have the international career which he should have but in club terms this is decent enough accout of several years at the top during which Manchester United pretty much won everything going. There are plenty of photos.
All in all an average football autobiography really.
119 reviews
December 30, 2021
Honest and down to earth, this book is as enjoyable and no-nonsense as Michael’s clinical, understated playing style. And much like his playing career, it will probably get overlooked by many readers, looking for a more controversial read. Make no mistake, Michael offers up valuable insights into the modern game. His account of the professionalism required to make it to the top and stay there is something any young footballer should read, while his insights into the transfer market, Manchester United and England are worth their weight in gold. I particularly enjoyed his comparison of the contrasting influence of the press on each. He is honest and revealing about his mental health challenges and his heart condition. Really glad I read this.
Profile Image for Ryan Garrett.
212 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2024
4.5 stars. At times, there are some passages that are stilted in the writing style or poorly edited cohesion, but on the whole this is a superb look into one of the best central/holding midfielders of all time. I have always been a huge fan of Carrick because of his steadiness and his footballing brain. This book affirms my view on not only his football but also his being a seemingly good man - friend, brother, son, husband, and father. Of course I’m aware it is an autobiography so there is bias; but it all rings true and the stories both on and off the pitch are worth price of admission. One of my favorite players from the greatest club of all - Manchester United - made this was a fun read!
Profile Image for Cian Aherne.
184 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2021
An incredible footballer and clearly Man Utd to the core. The book was a bit meh though ... followed the archetypal footballer's autobiography (i.e. train hard, rise the ranks, reflect on how great the victories were and give a nod to some low points)

... most interesting bits were the transitions from Fergie to Moyes to LVG to Mourinho but these were kinda squashed into a tiny part of the book and he seemed to be doing his utmost to not say a bad word about any of them ... nothing wrong with that, just not very interesting.
Profile Image for Amanda Lamb.
137 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2024
Caaaarrick you knooow, you can't believe it's not Schooooles!
What a read and what a down to earth man he is.
I always thought is he boring? You never see him out "with the lads" that get ticketed because they've dumped their supercar on double yellows outside of their favourite restraunt.
From reading his clear focus was Football and Yanited. We need more players like him than these who want to be popstars along with their football career.
Michael thank you for your commitment at United (and England) I respect you even more. #16 ❤️🤍🖤
Profile Image for George.
138 reviews
January 7, 2020
4.7.

As autobiographies go, this was one of the best I've read. I've always been a big fan and will continue to be after reading this - it's clear his passion for the game is huge. I would've enjoyed more insight into Louis Van Gaal's time at United, as the way Carrick talks about him it seems he was a visionary. The anecdotes and stories about the Fergie era, Moscow 2008, England and his younger playing days at West Ham were a joy to listen to.

UTR
Profile Image for Simonas Puškorius.
25 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2020
Michael is a perfect example that real sports stars can be so humble and so down-to-earth. For me as Manchester United fan, this book is a treasure - Michael talks a lot about the feeling in bein the part of such a big club and constant pressure from Sir Alex to win titles again and again. Had really good time reading this book - a proper sports autobiography. So my verdict - very strong 4/5.
6 reviews
July 24, 2020
Michael is a really down to earth footballer and his writing is personal and engaging. He certainly hasn't let his ability and fame get to his head and is willing to expose some of his own struggles with mental and physical health during his career. Not the typical "I'm great, here's the cool stuff I have done" kind of footballing autobiography.
Profile Image for Gary Watts.
124 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2020
I like Michael Carrick and enjoyed listening to his perspective and told with his own voice on Audible. Although the player was great, it's not a great football autobiography. There are some additional insights mainly from his perspective on Fergie, Van Gaal, Mourinho, etc, but nothing earth shattering. In many cases he seems to hold back and only give a veneer of insight.
Profile Image for Bill McFadyen.
653 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2021
A look inside a modern professional footballers life. Michael Carrick is/ was a hard working midfielder who captained Manchester United and played for England. From the northeast of England we follow his path through West Ham and Spurs , his injuries and managers.
Interesting to those who follow football but maybe too much detail into games and goals for non supporters.
138 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2022
Sự nghiệp cầu thủ đáng ngưỡng mộ của Michael Carrick được chính anh đưa lên những trang sách rất tự nhiên, liền mạch và cuốn hút. Người đọc cảm nhận được sự giản dị, chân thật, chuyên nghiệp của một tiền vệ tài năng, nhưng sinh nhầm thời nếu tính ở cấp đội tuyển. Chúc Carick sẽ có ngày thành công trên cương vị HLV, như những thành công thời cầu thủ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Danny Mulcahy.
9 reviews
February 13, 2019
Not a rollercoaster ride, but very insightful and as a big United fan it was really enjoyable reliving some of the recent success and getting insight from behind the scenes. Also, Carrick loves Smirnoff Ices, so that's cool!
Profile Image for Abhishek.
154 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2019
An inspiring account of a supposedly "Nice guy" from the world of Football. He's an embodiment of the culture of respect & hard work. It doesn't matter which field you're from, if you follow the same principles, you'll be empathetic to his journey

Well written account!
Profile Image for Ryan Marsden.
3 reviews
August 13, 2019
Decent account on some of the aspects of his football life. Seems like a lovely humble guy. A lot of the stuff about his personal life is boring and he seems to skim over some of the massive events of his football career
Profile Image for jodesmw.
25 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2022
Read to a resident - hilariously written with some eye opening moments about Carrick and his health. However a few grammar mistakes and repetition of points. It could’ve been a lot shorter if it weren’t for this!
4 reviews
October 26, 2023
I really respect Michael Carrick as a footballer and a sincere person, who has quite clearly applied himself to his profession with determination and diligence. However, I found it impossible to finish the book. It felt basic and jumbled. Like I was reading all the football clichés in one book.
1 review
December 31, 2018
Great read into michaels down to earth life and insight into the Manchester dressing room. Loved it
Profile Image for Jay Sidhu.
5 reviews
August 14, 2019
Really enjoyed it but always feel a little left short, not quite getting the full story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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